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The Program

African and African American Studies is cross-disciplinary program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences that offers students the opportunity to explore the history, and experiences of Blacks in America, Africans, and peoples of African descent across the globe. Students in the program analyze the experiences of these groups through the study of History, Literature, Art, Religion, Political Science, Psychology, Anthropology, Economics and Sociology. They gain knowledge and develop skills and sensitivities to help them function effectively in today’s diverse world. At present students can Minor, or design their own Interdisciplinary Studies Major with an emphasis, in African and African American Studies.

Minor

A Minor in African and African American Studies requires a total of eighteen (18) credit hours (six courses) in the program, which must include Introduction to African and African American Studies (AF AM 201) and Seminar in African American Culture (AF AM 460). The remaining (12) credits must come from at least two departments, with at least two courses taken at the junior level or above. Independent study and internship opportunities are available for credit, but do not count in the minimum requirement for the minor.

Interdisciplinary Studies Major

The major includes 36 to 48 credits of coursework chosen to provide a coherent, carefully planned program in an area of interests that bridges two or more departments. The specialized area "African and African American Studies" is identified on the diploma. Students interested in this major should consult the undergraduate catalogue for further details.

LAS Interdisciplinary Studies Web Page

Courses

Af Am 201. Introduction to African and African American Studies. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. S. An interdisciplinary introduction to the study of African American culture. Includes history, the social sciences, literature, religion, and the arts, as well as conceptual frameworks for investigation and analysis of the African American experience.

Af Am 252. African American Theatre Production. (Same as Thtre 252.) (3-0) Cr. 3. An exploration of African American Theatre in production; aesthetic foundations, history and contributions to American Theatre.

Af Am 325. Peoples and Cultures of Africa. (Same as Anthr 325.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: 201 or 306 recommended. Origins and distribution of peoples of Africa; geographical characteristics as related to culture types, including early civilizations; a comparative examination of economic, subsistence, language, social and political organization, and religious systems throughout the continent; change processes, the impact of colonialism, and the nature of contemporary African societies.

Af Am 330. Ethnic and Race Relations. (Same as Soc 330). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Prereq: 130 or 134. Analysis of ethnic and race relations, particularly in America; emphasis on the sociology and psychology of race and ethnic relations.

Af Am 334. African American Religious Experience. (Same as Relig 334.) 3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Af Am 105 or Relig 210 recommended. Examination of the African American experience from the perspective of black religion and the black church, with attention to political, economic, and social, as well as spiritual, concerns. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Af Am 347. Survey of African American Literature. (Same as Engl 347.) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 105. Literature by African Americans from the beginnings to the 1960s. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Af Am 348. Contemporary African American Literature. (Same as Engl 348.) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 105. Intensive reading in literature by African Americans from 1960 to the present. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Af Am 350. African American Women. (Same as W S 350.) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 201 or Af Am 201 or 3 credits in Women's Studies or African and African American Studies at the 300 level or above. Economic, social, political and cultural roles of African American women in the U.S. Includes literary, philosophical, and artistic expressions. Myths and realities explored. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Af Am 353. History of African Americans I. (Same as Hist 353.) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Sophomore classification. African roots of Black culture, slavery, abolition, Civil War, Reconstruction.

Af Am 354. History of African Americans II. (Same as Hist 354.) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Sophomore classification. Pope. Institutionalization of segregation, urban migration, Harlem Renaissance, Garvey movement, Depression and world wars, civil rights movement, and Black Power.

Af Am 460. Seminar in African American Culture. (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Intensive study of a selected topic in African-American Studies in one or more disciplines. Selected readings of various authors, movements, eras, or genres. Primary and secondary source materials. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Af Am 490. Independent Study. Cr. 1 to 3 each time taken, maximum of 3. Prereq: 6 credits in African and African American Studies, and permission of instructor and of the chair of the African and African American Studies Program.

Courses Offered by Other Departments

Engl 349. Selected Topics in Multicultural Literatures of the United States. Cr. 3 each time taken, maximum of 6. S. Prereq: 105. Literature by writers from U.S. multicultural groups. May include literature of several groups or focus upon one of the following: Asian Americans, African Americans, Latino/a Americans, American Indians. Nonmajor graduate credit. Available only when offered as a course in African American literature. Nonmajor graduate credit.